Events

[JAM] It’s hard to know what the term “jam band” even means anymore, but whatever it is, Ripe qualifies. Sorta. The Boston-based seven-piece delivers that mix of musical dexterity and party spirit that fuels the best of that genre, and they’ve also got the Boston-area secret weapon going for them: Ripe is a Berklee outfit. With brass that sometimes reminds of early Chicago and a groove that channels vague bits of ska and reggae with bass-slapping funk, topped off with Robbie Wulfsohn’s garage-soul pipes, Ripe has whipped up a musical smoothie that has many familiar flavors but it still somehow unique. Then again, it doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel in order to put a smile on your face and some spring in your step, which is essentially the mission. In that regard, Ripe is, well… ripe. For the band’s Town Ballroom gig on Saturday, May 19, Ripe is joined by a host of local talent, including singer-songwriter Max Muscato (with special guests), First Ward, and Deadwolf. Did we mention it’s a Rock Autism benefit? See more on that in this week’s Spotlight.